From September 2026, all children from households in receipt of Universal Credit attending school will be entitled to receive a free meal.  From September 2026, there will be two categories of benefits-based Free School Meals (FSM):

Targeted FSM:

For students in families who are in households in receipt of Universal Credit with annual earnings of £7,400 or less.

Expanded FSM:

A new category covering students who do not qualify for Targeted FSM, but who are in households receiving Universal Credit.

All students who currently receive free school meals will continue to do so until the end of the Summer term 2026, at which point the current transitional protections will end. From the start of the new school year in September, households must meet the new criteria to receive provision.

If you think you may be eligible, please complete this form: Sept 2026 FSM Application by 10th July 2026. This will ensure your child’s claim is processed in time for the start of the new term. You can apply later, but we cannot guarantee the application will be processed before the start of the new academic year.

Frequently Asked Questions

My child currently receives Free School Meals. Do I need to do anything? Yes. To continue receiving free meals from 1st September 2026, all families must re-apply so eligibility can be re-checked against the new system.

My child does not currently receive Free School Meals, but I receive Universal Credit. Should I apply? Yes. The new Expanded FSM category means that if you currently receive Universal Credit and your net income is above £7,400, your child is now eligible for a free school meal.

I think I am entitled to apply but haven’t before. What should I do? Please apply! If your household meets the criteria, your child will be registered to receive a free meal from September.